PC user wanting to swap to Mac has some queries.

Hi,
As the title suggests I have a few queries about swapping from PC to Mac. Firstly I've been informed that you can't directly compare speeds, processors, RAM etc of a PC with a Mac as MAcs run quicker, but is there a way of knowing what an equivalent mac is compared with a specific spec PC. I understand PC specs but not sure how they translate to Mac. For example, my current Laptop has Intel Core 2 Duo 2.13GHz processor with 4GB RAM (I'm wanting to improve on this spec), what would the equivalent Mac be?
I use my laptop for Full HD video editing and use Sony Vegas Movie Studio Platinum 9, and have found out this is not compatible with Mac. The only equivalent software I've seen for Mac is Final Cut Pro X, but I'm not prepared to pay £199 for this, especially considering the fact you can get Sony Vegas..... Platinum 11 for £30. Therefore I would need to partition my Macbook and run windows 7 (unless someone can recommend a good video editor for Mac which is much cheaper). Is it free to install windows 7 on a Mac or do you have to buy software? If so how much is it? Would it still recognise AVCHD?
One issue I have with Sony vegas on my current laptop is that it takes ages to render HD video, it can take hours (literally) to render 10mins of video. I don't know if this is down to the OS, RAM, processor or Hard drive, or something else. When editing I only have this one program open as using any other program (even the internet) is painfully slow. Would having a quad core i7 processor and 8GB RAM speed up the rendering process? Do Macs speed this process up, or if you are running it in windows mode would it be exactly the same as running it on a PC?
When ripping music to the Mac can you only rip in AAC/ALAC or can you rip it as MP3 so it's more 'universal'? I have music systems that can't read AAC :-/
Finally, when having a quick 'play' with a MacBook in store (PC world) I noticed that when I opened new Windows/apps the window did not fill the entire screen, and when you opened up further windows/apps you could see them stacked over each other a bit randomly. Can you change the setting so that the windows fill the entire screen, and can you set it so that this happens as default?
Sorry for all the questions, but I want to make sure a Mac's right for me before forking out thousands of pounds.

LukeD wrote:
Yes, the OP should buy whatever they want, Mac or PC.
However, the OP has come here to ask Mac questions.
A Dell Latitude is not a notebook for video editing, and it is not supported as such by any of the major software developers.
You would need a Dell Precision for editing.
A Mac will run Windows far better and faster than any Dell for the simple reason that Windows on a Mac is a clean, no crapware installation. Any Dell comes with several pounds of bloatware.
If you want a Kia, buy a Dell. If you want a Mercedes-Benz, buy a Mac.
This is not a fanboy opinion, but an easily verifiable fact by reading computer reviews and sales figures.
Good luck!
Physically, a MacBook Pro will last longer because it is made of durable anodized aluminum versus cheap cracking plastic on PCs.
PC companies make almost no money on notebooks. It is clear that they cut corners.
Add AppleCare, and there is just no credible comparison.
I digress from the OP's questions, but the nonsense of some needed to be addressed.
Ok lets addrees some of this.
But First Thank you fane_J. A voice of reason.
A Dell Latitude can have as good video card as a Dell Precisions. And if I wanted I could change the video card I ordered with my Latitude to any that is available for that model at time of production.
A Mac comes with either Video card A or B and can NEVER be changed. Even if it goes bad the only way to change it is to Replace the complete motherboard which includes both the CPU and GPU. They are Soldered onto the Motherbaord. Nor can you ever upgrade the CPU because it is Soldered onto the board. You can on a Dell notebook.
Have you ever heard that you can format any hard drive on any computer and install the OS clean without the makers included FREE (read that KWrap) software? Well you can. And I am sorry but Mac's also come with K_Wrap ware. Photobooth? iChat? and especially iTunes. And some of the Mac software you can't uininstall.
The reason a Mac will run Windows is because they Use the Same Hardware. Better then a dedicated Windows PC? No I am afraid not for one simple reason. You can not wipe the drive of a Mac and install Only Windows. You first have to install OS X then partition the drive and install Windows. You HAVE TO USE Apple supplied software to access some of the hardware included in a Mac. Also you can only have that One partition for Windows. Try to make a second partition and you break both Windows and OS X.
My Dell Latitude is ALL Metal. Not one plastic piece to the case. If you ever looked inside a MBP you would see many plastic pieces.
No PC makers make money on notebooks, just where did you get that. Notebooks are not Printers where the manufacturer makes money on the Ink they sell.
My Dell came with a 3 year warranty, mail in, included with the original cost. And I could of gotten Accidental Damage Next Business Day On Site service for somewhere around and extra $200. Dell Complete Care Warranty.
That is far less then I paid for the Applecare warranty for my MBP and I can't get Accidental Damage or On Site Service for a Mac.
No credible comparison, Again just where do you get that. With the Dell I don't have to Make an Appointment to have it looked at and then be told it isn't covered.
An YES some this nonsense had to be Addressed.
Which is not digressing from the OPs question.
Thank you.

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I'm a Pc user wanting to switch to a Mac. . .

Hi, I currently am sharing a PC with my brother. We both use it a lot and one computer isn't big enough for the two of us. So i was hoping to buy a Mac Mini. Only problem is, I don't have that much money to spend. Because I also need the money for a keyboard, mouse and monitor.(I know everything is expensive and I didn't expect to pay $200, I do know the value of a dollar.) So I can probably only afford the 1.5GHz Intel Core Solo. And I'm not a genius when it comes to some things and I'm new to Mac's so I have some questions.
1. 1.5GHz Intel Core Solo processor vs. 1.66GHz Intel Core Duo processor?
2. Can I get a 1.66GHz Intel Core Duo processor installed later on if I start out with the 1.5 Solo?
3. If so, how much $$$ will it cost me?
4. Combo drive (DVD-ROM/CD-RW) vs. Double-layer SuperDrive (DVD+R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)?
5. 512MB memory (667MHz DDR2 SDRAM): how much $$$ to upgrade to 1GB memory?
I hope for a reply as soon as you read this.
-please and thank you,
Switch
Pc user wanting to switch to a Mac Windows XP HP Pavillion a1125c Media Center PC

hey, its fantastic your switching to a mac!
to answer your questions
1. 1.5GHz Intel Core Solo processor vs. 1.66GHz Intel Core Duo processor?
In terms of performance the extra .16 GHZ power would not be worth it unless you are running professional programs (in which case dont look at a mac mini)
2. Can I get a 1.66GHz Intel Core Duo processor installed later on if I start out with the 1.5 Solo?
THe processor is soldered directly to the motherboard (or as mac call them "logic board") so an upgrade will be nearly impossible
3. If so, how much $$$ will it cost me?
sometimes you can find a new logic board at a spares supplier, unless you are a good electro-head i would stay clear, a lot of hassle changing one
4. Combo drive (DVD-ROM/CD-RW) vs. Double-layer SuperDrive (DVD+R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)?
do the same job but the superdrive will burn your dvds, if you copy dvd films then you will be disappointed coz theres no software to do this.
if you burn data to dvds then i would go for it, external dvd drives arent good for macs, external hard drives are fine.
5. 512MB memory (667MHz DDR2 SDRAM): how much $$$ to upgrade to 1GB memory?
apple will charge you a fortune for this, probably about $100. if you are farmiliar with the inside working of a pc, it is cheaper to buy some on ebay, DDR2 is the stuff you want. But if you cant fit it your self and you dont know anyone who can, best to get it from apple
any other questions, just holla
Peace y'all

PC user wanting to swap to Mac has some queries.

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